seattle highlights

Finally getting some time to sit down and write. I miss my blog! I have so much to say and such little time to sit down and type.
Wanted to share with you some of the good times in Seattle...

So let me start out with saying Xenia my stepmom got Sebastian this really cool cardboard house. It was still in the box when we got there and all we had to do was set it up. Sebastian loved it! It was his very own little fort.

We even colored it with crayons!! I thought it was the best thing ever, how come they didn't make things like this when I was a kid?? I had to actually work and make my forts out of couch cushions and blankets. Kids these days got it so easy. HAHA.

I really can't explain how much my dad loved having Sebastian around. They are such goofball together!

Of course, thanks to Lisa, I was able to get together with my Great Harvest Gang! It's funny how all these years nothing has changed. What I mean is that I don't get to see these wonderful people only once every year (if that) and it still feels like we are back in the shop bagging bread & kneading a whole lota love! Such a warm and comforable grasp of the past.

The very stunning Mrs. Cunningham. Julee, who is actually one of the first influential & mother figures in my life and my sister next to her.

Mr. Cunningham, Glen is my man! He always has such a great spirit & is the man that taught me so much plus he can give the best hugs :-)

Not to forget my girl Tanya. She is probably one of the biggiest most important things I miss from Seattle. She is my bestfriend, my partner in crime (literally) and the funnest person I know. I never leave without making new memories with her. And many more to come!!

Despite the fact that I had a crazy amount of fun and memories with my family & friends, I think one of my personal highlights of our trip was FORKS! It took a ferry ride and a six hour drive to get there and back but it was worth it. I took both my sisters, Michelle & Krisztina, who did not need asking twice since they too are much beloved Twilight Saga fans. Represent! Anyways, we hit up Forks first and started out at the Chamber of Commerce where we got to see Bella's truck with Bella's actual licence plate!! SOOOO COOL! The two ladies that worked there were such darlings and very enthusiastic to see us, which made things that much more fun. They were nice enough to hand us a map with all the important site seeing labeled with directions and in return kindly asked us to sign their guest book. I wrote HULITZA FAMILY--all the way from Philly! It was crazy seeing people signed in from Florida and Texas. Talk about die hard fans :) Represent! Next for  some lunch at the Forks Coffee Shop which was really a little hometown diner. I got Bella's Garden Burger, so yummmmm! Then we all shared a piece of the Berry Cobbler Pie with some vanilla ice cream. Double yummmmm! Once we were done admiring the town we ran into probably the most breathtaking Twilight themed store  you can ever find called Dazzled by Twilight. I'm serious! I was like a kid in a candy store. Check out it out--

I ended up buying myself a $20 car window decal. I know I'm a total nerd but you, my friend will poop your pants when you see how wicked awesome it is...pictures will come soon.

Now for the last part of our trip we just had to go and visit La Push. It took forever to get down to the water and after some complaining on my part we got there and boy was it beautiful. It happend to be pretty chilly by the water and the waves were crashing down and played cat & mouse with us up the shore. The entire beach had tons of logs scattered around so my sisters and I had some fun with them.

Well that's all the juicey details! It was a great time and I'm really looking forward to our next trip to Seattle, hoping to make it this summer!!

It's nice to be back home and I'm so ready for what's in store for the new year

♥A

winter wonderland

Sebastian and I woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland this morning!

It was such a shock. Even though the weatherman was saying for snow yesterday I just shrugged it off, since half the time they aren't even correct with their predictions. Well, it was a nice surprize and put me in a good and bad mood. Good because it is just so pretty on all the trees and ground. Bad because we have so much running around to do, now in the snow. Damn you Mother Nature.

So, I know this is weird and I promise that I won't make it a habbit to mention this every month...but why is it that I always end up getting 'the curse' or better known as 'that time of month' when we are going away on a trip. I think it happend last year too. Why? It's not a huge deal but it is annoying. Plus since my body is super strange, this month I have the pleasure in having extreme back pain. Lame. Oh, well...

So, before I get my butt off the couch (and start doing stuff) here are some pictures I snapped with my new camera this morning-- Enjoy & have a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!

♥A

the count down begins...

I am feeling extremely blessed to have such a beautiful son!

This is actually my very first photo that I took with my brand new Canon Rebel!! Not too bad, right? I still have alot of learning to do. I ended up getting a 8gb memory card, so I have up to 1,682 pictures-- and I plan on trying to take as many as I can to document Sebastian's First Christmas in Seattle.

Wooohooo, I am offically on vacation! Today was my last day of work till the Hoildays are over, and what a busy day of work it was! Let me just tell you that by the end of my shift I had reached thirty dollars in tips...chhhaaaachingg!! No complaints here.


My weekend will be full of rushing around; doing some last minute shopping for our trip, packing, washing clothes so we have clothes to actually take on our trip, packing some more, and spending some quility time with my in-laws since we will not be celebrating Christmas with them this year.
Did I mention packing? Oh god. I haven't started yet. I hate packing. I always tell myself that I am going to do light packing, just everything I NEED and not a thing more...but by the time I am finished putting all my clothes, shoes, make-up & accessories in the suitcase it's at the point of being full & there is still Bobby & Sebastian's crap to pile in there too (mind you I pack for Sebastian with the same mind-set). Not to forget that Bobby packs like a women...NOT GOOD!


Next on the list. I got a hair cut & color. I didn't end up doing the orignal hair cut that I had planned on. Lets just say I chickened out. Which, by the way is the first time I have ever backed down from a hair cut. Ususally if I pick something out ahead of time I just go with it. No matter what. Now that my hair is getting longer and longer my heart can't stand cutting it. I do however wanted to show you the cut that I originally wanted--

Don't you think it's CUTE! I love it. I call it a Tinkerbell cut.

I just couldn't do it...maybe for the summer???????

Here is how my hair turned out. Although you can't see in the picture, I had the back cut up to my hair line and angeled more down to the front, so now I have a very nice wedged look. Plus, I added some choppy bangs--

What do you think?

 
 
 
 

ONLY 7 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

♥A

on being lengendary...for a day

The Times Herald

By GARY PULEO

PLYMOUTH — The dry spell is over.

The dark stuff is flowing again at Plymouth Meeting Mall now that Saxbys Coffee has picked up where Starbucks left off more than a year ago.
It’s a weekday afternoon and folks are queued up to be revved up, whether it’s from a simple cup of gourmet coffee, a foamy cappuccino or some sweetly-intensive concoction.
No matter which of the liquid jolts they quaff down, Michael Weinberg is hoping every brew will turn into black gold for the Conshohocken-based roasters.
“People can’t believe such a gourmet product came from a few miles away, on West Elm Street,” said Saxbys franchise developer. “I think people really respect that we’re local. I’ve seen all the customers come back again and again. They know my name and I know theirs. When a customer comes in I’ll say, ‘Hi, Mr. Johnson, your Cafe Americana will be right up.’ and just that association makes people feel good.
“When you go to big chains,” he added, “it’s a quick one-two, you’re out of there. There’s no interaction.
When you work at a local coffee shop such as this, you get to know your clients and their drinks and you have a relationship.”
Some of those relationships began when Saxbys opened on Black Friday.
“It was interesting,” Weinberg said, recalling the craziness. “We were busy for 18 hours straight, with a non stop line all day long.”
With 50 stores across the east coast and several out west, Saxbys is intent on building a name to rival the omnipresent chain whose name also kicks off with the letter ‘S.”
“We’re pretty dominant in the city and the Main Line, now we’re working our way out,” Weinberg noted. “Our name recognition is not huge, but people are recognizing the Saxbys logo more and more. We’re definitely a player in the coffee game.”
All outlets are distinctive, he pointed out. A dozen are situated on college campuses, while the Saxbys in Haverford boasts two floors and a fireplace.
“We try to meet the needs of every area, whether it’s around offices where they would need to conduct meetings, a kiosk on a college campus, or at the mall.”
Located just outside the food court on the lower level, where Bucks County Coffee reigned supreme for years -- those who still lament the departure of BCC may take heart in knowing that Saxbys bought out the company -- the latest incarnation of Saxbys doesn’t have a fireplace.
But its a warmly inviting environment nonetheless, featuring a massive L-shaped, diner-style counter skirted by a jazzy, 1950s-ish motif.
Flat screen TVS and Wifi will probably be in place by the time you’re reading this, Weinberg noted.
“Not only does this serve the people trying to get away from the office for a little pick-me-up, it’s a nice hangout spot where people can come and have a conversation in a cozy environemnt and relax when they’re at the mall.”
Whether you’re a Red Eye kind of guy who takes his coffee with a double shot of espresso, or more the Caramel Macchiato type, like Weinberg, the difference in Saxbys coffee is evident in the roasting process, Weinberg allowed.
“Our roasting style is European, using cast iron gas-fired drum roasters that are strictly air-cooled, never water quenched,” he noted.
The signature Saxbys drink is British Islander, a concoction of macadamia nut, English toffee and white chocolate flavors that “will knock your socks off,” Weinberg assured.
Each Saxbys Coffee location is independently owned and operated, which affords a closeness to the communities where they’re located, Weinberg said, adding that the Plymouth store was available to be franchised.
“Our model isn’t always to open-source corporately, but in this economy it’s great to be able to see a store in action.
As you can see it’s a great-looking store that’s performing, instead of back in the day saying, ‘this store could be good.’ So anyone who is interested can just come here anytime and take a look.
“Me, I’m not an Internet shopper; I like to try my shoes on before I buy them,” Weinberg said, grinning.

Yes, that's Mike and myself. Although Mike was the one with the interview, I got to be in the pictures. It was super fun to represent my Saxbys shop! It's not everyday that you get your face in the paper...even if it's just a small local one. Still exciting.

As for life right now-- overwhelming and busy. With work & home life, along with our Seattle trip on Monday...my head is spinning. No worries, for it will all be worth it. Hopefully once the Holidays are over my life will get a little more settled and I will some how have the energy to blog more.


Things I am looking forward to:

• Of course, Monday. Our annual trip to Seattle! I am in some ways dreading the plane ride, honestly just because Sebastian is a very active boy and knowing him and the stage he is at, he will not want to be contained for five hours in a seat. It will definitely be a chore in keeping him occupied with things. So far I have compiled a list of things that should for a some amount of time keep Sebastian engaged. I plan on bringing a portable dvd player (thanks to my inlaws) so he can watch his favorite movies, bringing him a couple tootsie pops to suck on (no I do not give my son tootsie pops to suck on a regular bases!) & help him calm his popping ears, and of course some of his beloved toys. It would be ideal if he would sleep on the plane but you never know with Sebastian. When it involves taking a nap in anything other than his room, in his crib he usually has a harder time. Pray for me. Thanks.
• Bobby ordered my Canon Rebel SLR camera! I know, he is awesome! Yes, it's not much of a surprize but he was sweet enough to figure that if we ordered now that it would get here before our trip :-) yay! What a perfect way to break my brand new toy in.
• Speaking of my new camera...once the New Year begins I will be working on a new venture. I will call it Project 365. I will be taking a self portrait everyday for a year! How fun! Right??
• I am extremely flooded with joy when I think about how shortly I will get to hug my dad again.
• Happy that Sebastian will get to experiance a Hulitza Chirstmas!!!!!!

Stay warm everyone -- Jack Frost is surely nipping at my nose, Bbrrrrrrrr!!!

♥A

my life at the moment

• Even though it is December and Christmas is not all that far away I am feeling a little Scrooge-ish. Not sure why but I just am. I think it might have to do with the whole running around & being extremely busy thing. It could just be that I have no time to be in the Holiday mood...but It sucks. Hopefully I will feel the Christmas cheer sooner than later.
• I am starting to get very giddy about the my first real paycheck. It will be so nice to, again, have some money in the bank.
• I've been eating like, a whole cucumber a day...just dipping in ranch veggie dip. Is that normal? I don't care, it's so good!
• I've been working my butt off! But it's great. I enjoy it. Just trying to establish myself in this new company and get as far into it as I can. The future is looking bright my friend. This being said, I am very lucky to have my significant other-- Bobby is doing such a great job with Sebastian during the day while I'm at work & is keeping our place in order while I am gone.
• Feeling some sadness...but staying positive and trying to be there as much as I can for the people that I love.
• Finding it very difficult to Christmas shop for Sebastian due to the fact that I usually have this tremendous urge to give him whatever I buy right away just so I can see eyes light up and jump around. Help me. I already gave in once. Never again.
• Curious of when I will actually quit holding my breathe every time a New Moon preview comes on. I'm serious. I need to go and see it again just because...criticize all you want!
• Loving my nails. I've had acrylic nails for the past 4 years now. I initially got fake nails on because of my obsessive nail biting. I can not tell you how bad it can get. Anyways I switched from acrylic to pink & white nails. Same concept but now I have a beautiful french manicure all the time! Figured this would be a good idea because nail polish and coffee shop don't mix. It chips in a day. Boooooo. No worries, because now they are pretty 24/7.
• celebrating the death of John Lennon's twenty-nine years ago today. Rockin' out to a lot of covers of 'Imagine' which is my favorite song by J.L! Perfect Circle I think does the best cover of the song followed by the Glee cast.
• Did I mention that I wish there were more hours in the day...Hhhmmm.
• Lastly, because I work inside a mall I've observed a few things-- what's up with old people coming to the mall to walk... Yeah, just walk. I just don't understand. Why come to a mall to just walk around & “exercise”, mind you there are some in the mall even before I get to work!! If you know the reason to this mind boggling mystery please feel free to let me know. Thanks.

♥A

here's to the future!

Amen to tips! I got off earlier today just so I could get home in time for Bobby to get to work since Katelyn had a doctors appointment and wasn't able to watch Sebastian. Anyways, I really only worked for a little less than five hours and I made twenty-five dollars in tips! Giving that I had a gentleman give me a ten dollar tip today. Oh Yeah! It's great because most of what I make in tips goes right into my gas tank or to picking up last minute things for dinner. It is such a tremendous help.

Speaking of picking up things for dinner...Sebastian and I went out to do some light shopping today. In the past, or should I say last week when I still wasn't officially back to work, we would as a little family go out shopping in the mornings. When we did we would always do a huge shopping spree and get enough groceries to last us at least two weeks. Now that I am at work in the morning we can't do that. It's going to stink to have to do all of our usual errands on the weekends. I will however try my best to get a lot done during the week no matter how tired & pooped I am. I'm good like that. So, I totally lost track of what I was originally going to tell you. Me & Sebastian were done shopping and I already put Sebastian into his car seat and I've already loaded all the bags into the back of my Jeep. Now I start rummaging through the bags because I remembered I had bought myself a drink for the ride back home. Can you guess the rest? Yes, I managed to leave the bag inside the store at the register, the bag that had my drink in it as well as a few little things!! Ughhh! No way in hell am I going to leave now. I take Sebastian out of the car seat and march back inside the store. Mind you that it is extremely windy out. I mean like hurricane! I get back inside the store and now I'm looking like Cruella Deville with my hair all array with a little pup in my arms (Sebastian) trudging down the isles to find my bag of goodies. Oh man, the joys of motherhood. Fun, fun, fun!

Dinner tonight:

I made my special Garlic-Herb Pork chops with sauteed mushrooms & a side of Three Cheese Tortellinis.
I am not a big fan of Pork but the way I make this dish, I end up licking my fingers for more! Mushrooms are great to cook with especially to add to a drier meat like pork. I think that is the biggest reason why I dislike pork, it's dryness. When you saute mushrooms they release a lot of their own natural juices which can work to your benefit. What I do is I season my pork in this case with my garlic herb spice, then I brown the meat with a little bit of butter. Once the meat is cooked thoroughly I place the meat aside. Now comes the mushrooms. Saute them in the same pan you cooked the meat. Once the mushrooms are wilted I then add the pork to the pan with the mushrooms ( and it's juices) & cook for a good five minutes. Lastly, I just add a cup of chicken broth to create a nice extra amount of sauce. For my side tonight I am having Three Cheese Tortellinis which I buy from Samsclub. They're the best I've ever had. They come in a pack of two big bundles at a very affordable price. And I just adore all the colors. I just boil them up and sprinkle some Feta cheese on top. PRESTO! Dinners done. Only took me thirty minutes, perfect for a quick dinner on the work week. Here is what the finished product looks like--

What do you think? Yummy, right?

Can you believe it will be Friday tomorrow? I can't! Some notable events due for the weekend are:

• First off, I will be doing a lot of cleaning. I am hoping that I'll have enough willpower to knock out all my cleaning Saturday morning so I can truly relish my time with my boys.
• Picking out our Christmas tree! We weren't exactly sure if we were going to have a tree this year because of the fact that we are only spending a few weeks at home and then leaving for Seattle for Christmas. But, we just can't go without the presence of a tree during this season. This way we can get a smaller tree, enjoy it for a few weeks and then take it down right before we depart on our trip. Can't wait. Sebastian is going to love decorating!
• Depending on the weather...the weatherman is predicting for some snow on Saturday. Ummm, great. From what I know Sunday is suppose to be a sunny but cold. So, I am hoping to get up to Doylestown to the Kid's Castle. That is one of my favorite places to take Sebastian. So much fun!

Just want to end with saying that work-wise my future is looking bright & exciting. I can't say too much more, not just yet but I will keep you posted!!

♥A

my feet hurt

Aren't we just adorable?! I know. We are. I really can not describe what I would do without the man next to me. He is my better half, my best friend, my lover, my 'baby's daddy', my rock & much, much more. I wouldn't want to go through this puzzling life with anyone else but him. Right now, at times it can get tough since I barley get to see Bobby during the week. The only time I see him during the work week is in the morning when I wake up, but he is always snoring away. Sometimes I can get selfish (like today) and wake him up with a big sloppy smooch just so I can say a few words to him before heading to work. Naturally he falls right back to sleep after until our little boy wakes up. It is also rough going from being with Sebastian 27/7 to spending at least five hours with him in the evening. But those hours are so sweet!


Work has been going well. Seeing that the shop is brand new there are many things that still need to be organized and figured out, but with time it will all pan out. It will definitely take some getting used to being on my feet all day. Before I had Sebastian, when I worked for Bucks County Coffee, I of course was pregnant so whenever I felt like it I was able to just sit my big 'preggo' butt down and be fat!! Also considering that the last store that I managed was small and had very little business. I had it easy. Now I am on my feet & always moving. I love it! I think I might have a slight OCD problem. I am obsessive about things being organized and clean. That's good, right? It's great meeting new people through the company as well as customer based. With all this diligence, time flies like the wind. Which scares the bejesus out of me because when time flies, days fly. And when days fly, years fly by and then soon I'll be coming home from work & will be waiting for Sebastian to come home from school...Yikes!

Here are just a few quick pictures I took of my shop--

I will get some picture of the inside soon :)

Things that I am loving (at the moment):

• Mentha Body Wash by Bigalow. I can't believe how awesomely soothing and refreshing it is to wash my sexy body with this stuff!! Who would of thought that peppermint oils would feel so good on my skin. It's the best showering with this stuff after work. Now that I mention it, I am almost done with my bottle. Booooo! Time to hit up Bath & Body Works. Or, stocking stuffer anyone?!! (cough-cough).
• I am overjoyed with my hair! It's getting long. Don't laugh but sometimes I freak out because my hair touches my neck and I think it's like a bug. I said don't laugh...
• It's December first. Which means only 21 days till my little family and I are heading to Seattle.
• Coffee. Did I tell you that I work in a coffee shop. Yes, coffee galore! Yummy.
• Sebastian pretty much almost said 'cookie' today! How exciting!

♥A

busy, busy momma!

Thank god it's the weekend. Let me tell you, this week has been insanity.




Yesterday was our grand opening at work. I had to wake up at 3am to be at work by 4am. It wasn't all that bad waking up that early since I went to bed at 8:30 the night before. Our first day open went great! I had so much fun. I really didn't have a hard time at all because I've been in the coffee business over about 3 years so I know what to expect. Also, since the opening for Black Friday was such short notice my co-worker, Sierra and I, weren't trained at all. For me that wasn't a huge deal because I already know everything there is to know. The only thing that I need to get familiar with are Saxbys recipes, just because every place is different on how they make their drinks. But Sierra has no coffee experience and had a little more difficulty. Not a big deal because we had four people on yesterday. Sierra, Mike (my boss), Joey (who is actually the son of the man who is the CEO of Saxbys Company!) and myself. It's funny because Joe Grasso CEO of Saxbys Coffee Company actually came in to check out the store. He is awesome! I totally hit it off with him. That's right-- I'm hookin' it up!! Our conversation consisted of my Crocs that I was wearing which he says he wears in his office while working, about my tattoos-- he thought Sebastian's footprints were unique & my peace and love tattoo on the back of my neck was a hit with him and everyone in Saxbys since the back of our Saxbys shirt it actually says Peace & Love!
I was fine all day since it was busy. I could barely notice the time because it pretty much flew by. The mall wasn't particularly a mob seen like we all thought it was going to be. I bet Walmart had more people lined up outside than the mall itself. Honestly, I'm glad for that. Once 1:30pm hit I was out of there with a huge smile thinking that soon I will be seeing my wonderful boys at home. I am loving coming home and having Sebastian run into my arms.
As of Monday I will be starting my normal shifts, 8:30a-3:30p.








Thanksgiving was pleasant although Sebastian was having an 'off' kind of day and we ended up leaving early. That's just what it is. Anyways, it was great seeing everyone together and all the food was so tasty. I especially thought Aunt Cheryl's twice baked potato were scrumptious! And I really couldn't get enough of Aunt Janice's pumpkin cookies, I swear I had like twenty of them so far. I'm secretively hoping there are left overs so I can have twenty more. Lord help me.

Here is a picture of me and my girls chilling on the couch--

(yes, we are doing 'silent fox' with our hands. Again, this is an inside joke!)

Tonight I will be ending with some Sebastian...

To start out here is a little video of Sebastian playing with Lucy, who is the Schuler Family's newish puppy--

Now here is a picture of him all finished with dessert. I assure you as much as it looks like he has poop smeared on his face it actually is Nutella. Very, very messy!

That face. Ha! Classic. He was a little upset with me for taking this picture.

Well, that's all for tonight. Till next time!

♥A.

gobble gobble!

10 things I am Thankful for this Thanksgiving:

1.I am thankful for Bobby, & for everything he does to keep our little family fulfilled and sturdy.


2.I am thankful for Sebastian. I can not picture my life without him & no words can describe how he has transformed me. I am blessed to have him.


3.I am thankful for my father, because we helped each other get through the good, the bad & the ugly. And even though we are far apart we still are close at heart.


4.I am thankful for my Schuler Family. All of them. I truly am lucky to be part of such an energetic, loving & caring bunch of amazing people. And it's great that they put up with me. SIRRRRR! (inside joke people).


5.I am so thankful for being able to be a stay-at-home-momma for almost a year and a half!


6.I am thankful for a healthy body (even though I still would like to shed a few more pounds).


7.I am thankful for having my Kindle, for I have every book imaginable at my finger tips.


8.I am thankful for all my weekly shows; especially Glee which makes me pee myself from laughter, & Vampire Diaries for all the mind blowing events that make me gasp.


9.I am thankful for my new job. It is working out so perfectly.


10. I am thankful for blogging. It allows me to stay connected with people, express myself & have fun!!


What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?


I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving even though it signifies the barbaric & primitive blood shed of turkeys :)

Eat well & laugh lots!!!
♥A.

Rah-rah-ah-ah-ah-ah

Let me tell you, I am super duper excited about the coffee shop. It's right smack in the middle of the mall and gets so much attention. I went down there today to help out Mike (my new boss) clean & organize the store. I swear I already had a bunch of people stop and ask when we will be opening. I even had this old man come up to the counter and before I could even begin to talk he had ordered a Tall Regular Coffee & handed me money! So yes, I think this store is going to be very successful. Not to mention that I enjoy Mike very much. He is young guy who is completely laid back & funny. Besides the fact that he is a total babe, I think he is the best boss ever! I really love it when I have a down to earth kind of boss. I am always nervous about it because it's hard to find people that are so open to the fact that I have facial piercings & visible tattoos. In the past I've actually turned down jobs because they wouldn't allow my piercings. And to me my piercings are part of me. As lame as that may sound to some, that's just how it is. At least for now.
Moving on. Black Friday looks like a go! YAY! But –- Booooo! to me having to wake up crazy early. Oh well, the money will be nice.
I will be going back tomorrow morning to stock as much as we can for Friday. Also I'm going to try to take some pictures to show you, my readers how cute my shop is!! Make sure you come back and visit tomorrow :-)




Gahhh, this week is going to be crazy. Since I am going to be spending most my morning tomorrow at work I will be stuck cooking like a maniac in the evening.
Which reminds me that I must share something funny with you...So, I forget if I mentioned that a few weeks ago we went shopping at our local grocery store and spent so much money that we got a FREE turkey! Anyways one morning last week Bobby ran to the store to pick something up (I forget what?) and he said he would take our coupon and get our turkey. So he did. Of course he comes home with a 20 pound-er!!!!!


Our conversation:
Me: Oh My God! Is that the turkey?!
Bobby: Yeah, Why?
Me: It's huge! What the hell am I going to do with that...
Bobby: What do you mean?
Me: Ummm, that won't fit in our oven.
Bobby: Ohh...

I so totally get what he was thinking...free turkey-- get the biggest bad boy in the whole bunch. Yet he wasn't thinking about it being too big for our oven. Pshhh who in the heck would even think about that detail?? Well, ME!

Just so you can judge for yourself, check out my oven>

No way that 20 pound bird is fitting in there. Trust me. I tried. No biggie. I just gave Lori (mother-in-law) a call and asked her if she by any chance had bought her turkey. Praise the lord she had not! Problem solved. I gave her our turkey and in return she bought us a couple sizes smaller. Thanks MUM!

 
 
 

By the way did you realize that there is less than a week left of November??

I know. I just realized!!
♥A.

on a begining & ending

Our little dinner get together was nice. The evening started out with some light appetizers with some drinks & all the 'how are you' & 'what's new' yak. After having a nice woman to woman chat with Bridgett while our men were outside doing god knows what, I fired up my oven to start warming up dinner. Of course, I had everything all done and ready before our guest came so all I had to do is reheat. Personally I love getting my cooking done a couple hours before hand, that way I can tidy up, relax, shower & put my face on without any rush. I must say that my food turned out wonderfully. I was kind of nervous at first because I've never had Matt & Bridgett over for dinner and I do usually collaborate ahead of time but just never got around. Anyways, doesn't really matter because my Chicken Marsala was a big hit with them and I was happy about that. Now my favorite part of dinner were my Ultimate Twice Baked Potatoes. They were remarkable! I have not yet made them before and I am extremely proud with how they turned out...take a look!!

I made half with chives, bacon & cheese and the other half with broccoli bits, bacon & cheese. The picture to the side is actually before I put them into the oven. They looked even better afterward since I sprinkled extra cheddar cheese on the tops which no doubt melted in the oven and gave them an additional flavor. The best part is that we have leftovers. Yay! Bobby was able to take a good amount with him to work today and I also will get to sink my teeth into some for my dinner tonight. Amen.

Now moving on to things about this week.

Of course it's Thanksgiving on Thursday! I will be doing lots of preparing throughout this week because I not only will be making Bobby's Turkey dinner since he will not actually be able to join us & family on Thursday due to work. But I will be on dessert duty for Thanksgiving dinner at my in-laws. For that I will be make my Famous Pumpkin Pie (by the way I think I've baked more pumpkin pies this season than I have ever in my whole life!) Yummmm. Oh and also at my mother-in-laws request I am making my Grilled Eggplant Dip more formally known as Babaganoush for an appetizer.

As of tomorrow I will officially start work! Sort of. Tomorrow I will be going into my new shop to help get everything organized, put away, clean & ready to go for our Grand Opening on Black Friday. Well that's if all goes according to plan. I guess tomorrow afternoon the Township will be coming in to do one last inspection and if they check everything off the list then we will be all set!! I am excited to finally get acquainted with my soon to be partner in crime –- De'Longhi Espresso Machine. I love De'Longhi machines and I most likely will be the one knocking out Lattes & such since my fellow manager co-worker has no coffee experience! Oh well, I don't mind. I miss the whole steaming & frothing process.

One thing I am weary about is if we do open on Friday and since it is Black Friday the mall will be opening at 5:30am so that will mean that I will most likely be waking up at 4am! Help me. All in all I am very excited to get back to making the money!

Until then I will be cherishing every minute with my little boy :)
♥A.

poison apple reviews: my ulitmate movie reaction!

So sorry that I've been MIA for a couple of days but I have had a very eventful weekend!

Now that I have a chance to finally sit down, relax & write here it goes...


Disclaimer: If you have not yet seen New Moon just be awear that this post is all about it! Don't want to ruin it for anyone...




HOLY COW. New Moon was amazing & I think it is a notable improvement over Twilight.
My thoughts ( in no particular order):

• I did think that the movie was slow at times.
• There was less awkwardness than Twilight. Acting was better & flowed better. The theater busted out laughing less during New Moon than Twilight...

Scenes that I was not a fan of --

• When Bella is out with Jessica, sees the guys then just hops on some dudes motorcycle to be 'reckless'! Come on. Lame.
• Bella falls off her motorcycle and heads bleeding. So Jacob says some cheese ball line then just like a tool rips his shirt off?!?! Okay, I'll be honest I have kind of a mixed feeling about that scene...I think It was totally corny. Not only the way it was acted but I thought the way the camera was angled at him made it even worse. Now, he is totally crazy hot and after the scene I couldn't help wishing I could just rewind and watch that all over again!!!
• The whole thing that happened to Harry Clearwater. BOOOO! But on the flip side I did enjoy the part were the wolves were on a high speed chase after Victoria.
• Volturi didn't seem as scary as they should have been.
• Oh, and at the end when they were through with the Volturi and are walking out while helpless people are walking into their doom...What. The. Hell. There were kids in the group! Did that bother anyone else???

Things I loved –-

• Not sure why but for some reason I felt like Kristen Stewart was more Bella-ish in this movie. However now that she cut her hair short & dyed it black for her role as Joan Jett in 'The Runaways' that is all going to change since in Eclipses she will be wearing a wig. WHY!!!
• Okay, so Jacob was awesome!-- mad props to Taylor Lautner for making the monster in Jacob come out beautifully. All round, the wolves were portrayed well.
• Also I have to say that I love Charlie. I think the one who plays Charlie –- Billy Burke does a great job. Seriously he is just like I imagined in the books. Love it!
• The scene with Bella running to the clock tower to save Edward from his suicide attempt was very dramatic and hair-rising!

After all is said and done I do really wish that they did the journey back home from Italy, that is the one thing I was very disappointed in...

Soo00oo, those are some of my thoughts. Definitely could have been better but what book made into a movie is perfect. I've yet to find one.
I just can't wait for New Moon to come out on DVD! And now I have a new countdown...only 219 days left till Eclipses...UGHHH!

♥A.

"It was like my heart was gone – like I was hollow. Like I’d left everything that was inside me here with you.”

Before I begin I just want to say Happy Birthday Glen! A tiny bit belated but yesterday I just couldn't get to my computer. Anyways, Glen you still got it goin' on my man! And I miss you terribly. By the way, I just wanted to be honest and say that I am totally jealous. Seeing all the pictures on Julee's blog of my precious GHB gang together having fun...ughhhh. I miss everyone so much. Oh well, that's what happens when you move all the way across the country. Ha.

On some weekend news:


So, It's Saturday. Do you know what that means? NEW MOON! Yes, I am very excited. Okay, more like jumping out of my pants! Not only am I excited about seeing the movie, that I've been waiting for since last November but because I am going to see it with Brittany Schuler. Bobby's middle sister who is very down to earth & fun! I can be myself most with her because of her free-spirit. COME ON SEVEN O'CLOCK!!
Until seven I will be enjoying the afternoon with my boys :-)




Now tomorrow will be a different story for I will be in the kitchen cooking together a yummy dinner for our guests that are coming. Although I was able to get all my cleaning down during the week I still have some dusting to do as well. Which I have no idea why I do because once I do it the next day the dust will be right back where It started. Lame. I am really looking forward to tomorrow night. Our guests Matt & Bridgett have never been to our place and I always love having new company so I can show off my cute little apartment.
Matt is one of Bobby's 'car' buddies which means that they originally met through their cars. Now that I think about it -- Bobby has met most of his friends through his car. Ha. I love hanging out with them two especially because Matt has Bridgett and when Matt & Bobby are busy talking their 'car' talk (boring) Bridgett & I talk about normal stuff. Hooray!




Sebastian is getting more teeth in. He is chewing on everything!




At this time in exactly a month we will be on the airplane flying to Seattle! It will be so great to see everyone.
I am especially looking forward to; going out with Tanya, going with my family & Tanya to Forks, Washington!!!!, getting to together with my GHB family at lovely Lisa's house, staying up late to talk to my dad, having my sisters again to get ready with in the bathroom, cooking in the kitchen with Xenia (step-mom), but most of all I am over joyed that we will be able to share Christmas with my family!
I am not looking forward to; having a 6am flight out to Seattle, nervous about how Sebastian will act on the plane ride, the time flying by once we hit Washington soil, saying good-bye, and unpacking!

Enjoy your weekend!

♥A.

New Moon

YAY! New Moon is officially out. Don't ask me why I am still up since it is 1:00am but call me crazy. I am just to damn excited. Wierd. I know.

In honor of New Moon here is Robert Pattinson on The Late Show with David Letterman.

So funny. I thought it was great that David brought up the rumor of Robert & Kristen dating and Rob seriously looked like he was about to admit it!! I loved the bit when Rob showed Dave is American accent.

GoOoOoOD NIGHTTT!
♥A.

a letter to you

Dear Sebastian,

I was laying in bed last night thinking of you. Wondering what your dreaming about, hoping that your little piggy toes are covered. I just could not help myself for when I went up to peer over your crib this sudden urge came upon me –- I couldn't help but snatch you out of bed. I'm sorry, but I had too. So I did. However, I don't think you noticed at all because you were very much asleep. For that I am glad. It was so great having you all snuggled up against me. All I could do was watch you sleep. You are very cute when you're sleeping!
Well, as you were sleeping I talked to you. Yes, I know hunny Mommy's weird. Anyways I just wanted to let you know that you're growing too fast...I mean it feels like just the other day I was walking around the apartment with you (little bean form) in my arms rocking you to sleep. What happened? Where did that little bean go? I think the point I'm trying to make is if you could maybe just...You know. Stop growing...Okay, thanks!
That's pretty much it. Thanks for letting me steal you just so I could stare at you, breath you in, hold you, admire you, and love you.
Now don't worry because after all  I took you back to your sweet sea of slumber without you even noticing.


Love,
Your Momma♥!




ps: you have your Momma's moves :-)

on a few thing I am loving...

These are a few things I am loving (at the moment):

• 
  
  I am very much loving this little piece of art. I think this will be my current motto in life.
So Very Happy Art by Shelli Dorfe

• Right now, I am loving Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt by Stoneyfields (vanilla flavored). Have you tried it yet? It's such a wholesome snack that I find particularly great in the afternoon when Sebastian is done for a nap. Not sure why but it has become a ritual for me. None the less yogurt is something I must be in the mood for so I'll give it another week...

• Speaking of snacky foods, we did our weekly shopping at Samsclub and while browsing around I discovered some Apple Cinnamon Cookies by Motts. I have never ever seen them at Samsclub or any other store for that matter so I decided to test them out on Sebastian, since I like to get him different snacks to try every once in a while. I always love most of Motts products because of their healthy nature. Well, Sebastian thought they were very scrumptious so being curious I taste tested one myself. Oh boy was it heavenly. Sebastian shared a few more with me :-)

• It dawned on me the other day that I haven't splurged on anything since I've had Sebastian. Sure I've bought clothing items here or there or a knickknack once in a while but nothing I've really wanted. Instead I have mostly just really focused on things I 'need'. Which is something you must do when you have a budget that you have to stick to. Now that I am going back to work I WANT TO SPLURG! Naturally I have known what it is that I want and after doing some research in finding the best price Amazon has yet again surprized me.

I want this bad boy--

The Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18/55mm Lens

Again, I honestly don't have any clue what all that means but after seeking out friends that are actual photographers they say this piece is a gem! Oh how I love thee. Don't judge.

• 
  
  Lastly, at the moment I am loving the fact that there is almost a month left till Bobby, Sebastian & I are boarding a plane and heading out to Seattle. Makes me just want to leap in joy thinking about it! The only person I know that is more excited than me is my dad. Every single time I talk to him on the phone (which is pretty much everyday) he is always bringing up our trip. He is already asking what he needs to get in order for Sebastian to be comfortable and, it's funny, because he is already telling me that he's baby proofing the place. My dad is thrilled to see Sebastian again & I have a feeling I won't even get to kiss let alone even touch my son while we are out visiting because Grandpa will be hogging him to the max! HEY, no problem there. HA.

♥A.

What are your joys in life at the moment?? Do tell!